The Tour de l'île gives the Douglas Foundation an opportunity to raise approximately $18,000 for its cause




Sunday June 7th, the Douglas Mental Health University Institute Foundation's Pedal for Mental Health Team participated for the first time in the Tour de l'île de Montréal to raise funds for care and research in children's mental health. Not only did they cycle the 52 kilometres course around Montreal Island, the volunteer cycling team carried out a fundraising campaign with great success raising approximately $18,000. These donations will fund care and research in mental health for children treated at the Douglas Institute.

"Mental Health is closely tied to physical health; whatever is good for your body can contribute to the well-being of your mind”, said Jacques Hendlisz, Executive Director of the Douglas Institute. “We are proud to collaborate with the Tour de l'île as it democratizes and popularizes the practice of biking. After all, it is an activity accessible to all." Mr Heindlisz took the opportunity to present a cycling jersey, generously donated by Bicyclette Rossy, to Marc Osterman, the rider who raised the most donations, prior to the deadline – donations totalling $1500.

The children treated at the Douglas Institute, along with the Douglas Institute Foundation staff, would like to thank all the riders, volunteers, and donors whose generosity will allow the Douglas to once again change lives. We would also like to thank Mark Wolfe, Joe Rochford, André Giroux, Sue Potter Lee, Michel Gauvin, Susan Schiffman and Audrey Benoit, whose help was critical to the success of the day. We also must not forget to thank Laurent, our youngest registered rider, who completed the entire 52 kilometres Tour de l'île. Bravo Laurent!

The bikes are all put away, but if any of you have not had a chance to send in a donation to the Foundation, the ride is never over.